After four seasons in charge, Dal Santo, 40, has a 15-26 record. He led the Saints to three consecutive wins in a strong start to the 2024 season.
However, they finished 11th, far out of contention for the top eight, and only won one of their previous eight games.
It happened when the Saints nearly missed out on attending the 2023 Finals due to a lower percentage than three teams in the top eight.
Tessie McManus, the AFLW manager of St Kilda, feels Dal Santo is capable of with the pressure, and a finals appearance is still the top priority.
“Nick has been pivotal in growing our program into the elite environment it is today,” McManus said in a club statement.
“The team loves being coached by him and the connection he has with not only our players but our staff right across the business exemplifies his character and demonstrates his passion for the club.
The unity of the squad and the development of many of our players, especially the younger core, is a testament to his coaching ability and the culture he has built at the club.
“While this season didn’t deliver the on-field results we were hoping for, we firmly believe Nick is the best fit for this role and we are excited to see where he leads the team next season.”
Dal Santo played 260 games across 12 seasons with St Kilda before finishing his decorated playing career with another 62 games over three years at North Melbourne.
The three-time All-Australian previously coached St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy and father-son program.
Dal Santo’s support staff for the 2025 AFLW season is expected to be finalised next year.
